The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental institution bringing together the 28 European Union Member States and 15 countries from the Southern and Eastern shores of the Mediterranean to promote dialogue and cooperation.

Key documents

The UfM seeks to enhance regional cooperation, dialogue and the implementation of concrete projects and initiatives with tangible impact on our citizens to address three strategic objectives: human development, stability and integration.

Sustainable development

The UfM Secretariat is the operational platform of the Union for the Mediterranean. The staff of the UfM is made of more than 17 nationalities working in a multicultural environment that fosters cooperation and intercultural communication and exchange.

Social & Civil Affairs: Gender equality and youth

I realized that I was ready to join the world of female entrepreneurship, develop my skills and contribute towards the development of other people in my region. Through my project I am trying to dispense with these ideas that persist mainly in the male community and to raise awareness among women about the importance of being active, so that they can find their place in society.”

Youth and women constitute a huge resource as agent for change and the future of each country’s development. They are and can be a catalyst for positive change and a source of creativity and innovation, if an enabling environment is provided to facilitate their full participation and engagement. Their role in creating jobs, preventing climate change, addressing community needs or providing mediation services is everywhere demonstrated.

The focus on human development, through youth and women empowerment, as a main contribution to addressing the root causes of the current challenges faced by the Euro-Mediterranean region is at the heart of the UfM strategy. This strategy has been progressively built and structured over the past three years in close coordination with the UfM Member States and with the involvement of key stakeholders operating in the region, including local authorities, international organisations, donors, civil society and private sector.

25%

of GDP per capita

increase by promoting women’s economic empowerment

13% – 15%

of women own and manage their business in MENA region compared to 31-38% worldwide

60%

of the euro Mediterranean population

is currently under the age of 30, and the number of young people under the age of 15 is forecast to increase by over 18% by 2020

Strategic Objectives

Build and consolidate a regional common agenda to empower youth and women as main drivers for the region’s development and stability.

Enhance economic, social and civic participation of women and youth, as a key human development asset to build more inclusive and sustainable societies.